[Title] Chairman's statement of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions with the Dialogue Partners
1. The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions with ASEAN's Dialogue Partners, namely Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America were held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 31 July to 1 August 2019.
2. ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners reviewed their relations over the past year and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening their partnership and cooperation through effective implementation of their respective Plans of Action and existing frameworks.
3. The Ministers reiterated their support for Thailand's ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability", particularly its focus on promoting sustainable security through deepening strategic trust, promoting a seamless ASEAN through connecting the connectivities initiative, and pursuing sustainable economic growth and development in order to bring about regional stability and prosperity, and achieve a people-centred, and forward-looking ASEAN Community that leaves no one behind. The Ministers also highlighted the importance of cooperation in the areas that will ensure sustainability in all dimensions, such as green economy, smart and sustainable cities, including through the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN), sustainable environment, including combatting marine debris, disaster risk reduction and disaster relief, and tackling the challenge of an aging society, as well as continued efforts to narrow the development gaps. In this connection, the Ministers welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders' Vision on Partnership for Sustainability at the 34th ASEAN Summit.
4. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as the key code of conduct governing inter-State relations in the region, underscored its relevance to the wider region and recognised its contribution to promoting regional peace, stability and security.
5. The Ministers underscored the importance of maintaining ASEAN centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture and reiterated their commitment to supporting an ASEAN-centred regional architecture that is open, transparent, inclusive and rules- based, built upon ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three (APT), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). The Ministers noted with appreciation the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific which is based on the principles of ASEAN centrality, openness, transparency, inclusivity, a rules-based framework, good governance, respect for sovereignty, non-intervention, complementarities with existing cooperation frameworks, equality, mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit and respect for international law. In this regard, the Ministers of Dialogue Partners were encouraged to support and undertake cooperation with ASEAN in the key areas outlined in the Outlook, covering maritime cooperation, connectivity, sustainable development and economic cooperation in order to contribute to peace, freedom and prosperity in the region. The Ministers underscored the importance of multilateralism, regionalism and international law in contributing to global and regional peace, stability and prosperity.
6. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding an open, inclusive, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system, as embodied in the WTO, amidst the global trade uncertainties, including the trend of protectionism and anti- globalisation. The Ministers of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Participating Countries welcomed the progress made to date and encouraged all Parties to redouble their efforts to conclude a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial RCEP this year to reinvigorate international trade and to uphold ASEAN centrality. The Ministers also appreciated the participation of several ASEAN Member States, including the ASEAN Chair, at the latest G20 Summit in Osaka and looked to enhancement of interaction and cooperation in areas of mutual interest between ASEAN and the G20, such as in the areas of smart cities, financial inclusion and the environment.
7. The Ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern, including trade issues, the situation in the Korean Peninsula, terrorism and transnational crime, cybersecurity, non-proliferation, sustainable development cooperation and recent developments in the South China Sea. The Ministers reaffirmed the positive advances brought about through the inter-Korean Summits, and the U.S.-DPRK Summits as well as welcomed the recent meeting between the Leaders of the U.S. and the DPRK at the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on the Korean Peninsula. They reiterated the importance of international efforts to achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, the fulfillment of relevant UN Security Council obligations, by all UN Members, and the establishment of lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Ministers underscored the importance of ASEAN-led platforms such as the ARF in promoting a conducive atmosphere to peaceful dialogue amongst the parties concerned. The Ministers further decided to continue cooperation on counter- terrorism, including the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2396 on cybersecurity, and on sustainable development cooperation. The Ministers discussed the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region, including through upholding international law such as the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, underscored the importance of full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and were encouraged by the progress made in the negotiations of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). They reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation, and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. They also emphasised the importance of non- militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states.
Australia
8. The ASEAN-Australia Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Dato' Saifuddin bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, and Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women of Australia.
9. The Meeting welcomed the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations this year and noted with satisfaction the achievements in the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Partnership (2015-2019) as well as progress made in the implementation of the cooperation initiatives announced at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit and the Informal Breakfast Summit in 2018. The Meeting adopted the new Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Partnership (2020-2024), which will help further enhance the ASEAN-Australia cooperation in all dimensions, and looked forward to the full implementation of the Plan of Action in the next five years. The Meeting welcomed the launch of the ASEAN-Australia Counter-Trafficking Initiative which will contribute to ongoing efforts in strengthening justice response, provide just punishment of traffickers and safeguard the rights of victims. The Meeting noted that a symposium, which will be a follow-up to the launch, will be co-hosted by Thailand and Australia in Bangkok later this year. The Meeting also welcomed a new transnational crime programme in the Mekong sub-region.
10. The Meeting agreed to deepen political-security cooperation including on traditional and non-traditional security issues among others countering terrorism and transnational crimes, combatting trafficking in persons, people smuggling, and irregular migration, and maritime cooperation. The Meeting acknowledged the meaningful contribution of women to conflict prevention, resolution and peacekeeping and looked forward to strengthening cooperation on the Women, Peace and Security Dialogue in 2020. The Meeting also acknowledged Australia's long-standing cooperation on law enforcement, customs and immigration to counter transnational crime and the importance of promoting and protecting human rights in the region. The Meeting appreciated Australia's participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the EAS, ADMM-Plus, EAMF and ARF, particularly co-chairing the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting in Maritime Security with Viet Nam and EU in March 2019, and co-chairing with Indonesia the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group (EWG) on Peacekeeping Operations. The Meeting also noted that the inaugural ASEAN-Australia Cyber Policy Dialogue, held on the sidelines of the Singapore International Cyber Week 2018, would help improve joint efforts to promote security, peace and stability in cyberspace.
11. The Meeting discussed deepening economic cooperation and preparing workforce to be digital-ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the 23rd ASEAN Economic Ministers and the Ministers of Australia and New Zealand (Closer Economic Relations) (AEM-CER) Consultations in September 2018, which endorsed the officials' recommendations from Stage Two of the Agreement to Establish the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) General Review to guide negotiations to upgrade the Agreement. The Meeting expressed its appreciation to Australia for continuing the AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Support Programme (AECSP) and the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II (AADCP II), which will further contribute to ASEAN's goal of deepening regional economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, including the effective implementation of IAI Work Plan III and MPAC 2025. The Meeting discussed the role of sustainable infrastructure development in driving inclusive economic growth and integration in our region and welcomed Australia's ongoing support for ASEAN's connectivity agenda, the ASEAN-Australia Infrastructure Cooperation Initiative, the Southeast Asia Economic Governance and Infrastructure Initiative and the ASEAN-Australia Smart and Sustainable Cities Initiative. The Meeting appreciated Australia's efforts in supporting the ASCN including its AUD30 million support to develop city systems in smart and sustainable ways. ASEAN recognised Australia's continued support to narrow the development gap within ASEAN. In this regard, ASEAN welcomed Australia's commitment to help promote a more secure, resilient, open and prosperous Mekong region, including through a new phase of the Greater Mekong Resources Program.
12. The Meeting looked forward to the continuation and enhancement of education, sports, arts and cultural exchange programmes between ASEAN and Australia, including through the New Colombo Plan, Australia Awards, and programmes run by the Australia-ASEAN Council, which will deepen social and cultural linkages. The Meeting also welcomed the Australian Government's flagship public diplomacy programme "Australia now" which is currently being implemented in ASEAN throughout 2019.
Canada
13. The ASEAN-Canada Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. U Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for International Cooperation of Myanmar, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
14. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to continue advancing ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations across all three pillars of cooperation. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration of ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2016- 2020). The Meeting looked forward to developing a new Plan of Action (2021-2025) that will guide both sides in realising the full potential of the partnership for the next five years. The Meeting noted Canada's desire to elevate ASEAN-Canada relations and expand its engagement with ASEAN-led mechanisms including by joining activities under the ADMM-Plus at the appropriate time. The Meeting looked forward to enhancing mutual trust, engagement and cooperation between Canada and individual ASEAN Member States to further strengthen the dialogue relations.
15. The Meeting welcomed Canada's continued support for ASEAN's regional efforts in combatting transnational organised crimes, particularly terrorism and people smuggling, through its regular security and counter-terrorism dialogues in the various ASEAN-led mechanisms as well as capacity building initiatives under the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) mechanism.
16. The Meeting underlined the importance of stepping up efforts to promote inclusive economy, and enhance trade and investment ties including by continuing to explore the possibility of an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Meeting welcomed the final outcomes of the Joint Feasibility Study on an ASEAN-Canada FTA presented at the 7th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting (AEM)-Canada Consultations in September 2018. The Meeting noted that the 2nd Exploratory Discussion was held in April 2019 in Vientiane, and looked forward to the finalisation of its report. The Meeting welcomed Canada's support for ASEAN's sustainable development cooperation efforts and the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue to be launched this year. The Meeting also welcomed Canada's support to promote and protect the rights of women and girls and strengthen women's entrepreneurship and acknowledged potential cooperation in the area of women, peace and security.
17. The Meeting was pleased to note that 147 students from ASEAN Member States are undertaking their academic programmes under CAD 10 million Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) initiative, for the 2019/2020 academic year, which is almost double the number from last year. The Meeting looked forward to further expanding people-to-people relations beyond education, such as through tourism and cultural exchanges.
China
18. The ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, and H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
19. The Meeting welcomed the successful outcomes of the 21st ASEAN-China Summit to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, including the adoption of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 which charts the future direction to further enhance the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership to new heights. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress made in the implementation of the 2016-2020 Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The Meeting looked forward to developing a new Plan of Action (2021-2025) that will guide both sides in further strengthening the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in the next five years. The Ministers welcomed the completion of the first reading of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text (SDNT) as another significant step in the negotiations which enabled the deepening of understanding of each other's positions and streamlining of the SDNT. The Ministers urged their Senior Officials to make further progress in subsequent readings towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC. The Meeting welcomed the aspiration to conclude the COC negotiations within a 3-year timeline as proposed by China or earlier. The Meeting looked forward to the development of the ASEAN-China Partnership on Blue Economy as envisaged in the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030.
20. The Meeting welcomed the activities held by ASEAN and China to celebrate the ASEAN-China Year of Media Exchanges 2019 which was launched on 20 February 2019 in Beijing, including the convening of the High Level Conference on ASEAN- China Media Cooperation and ASEAN-China High Level Media Forum on 23-24 July 2019 to promote understanding on development of media in the region to deepen policy exchanges. The Meeting also looked forward to the adoption of the Joint Statement on Strengthening Media Exchanges and Cooperation between ASEAN and China at the 22nd ASEAN-China Summit.
21. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to further strengthen ASEAN-China economic cooperation, including through, among others, consolidating the multilateral trading system and enhancing regional economic integration frameworks, and underscored the importance of multilateralism and free trade. The Meeting agreed to further promote trade, investment, and tourism flows through, among others, the full implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Certain Agreements thereunder between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People's Republic of China, such as the advancement of the Future Work Programme in the ACFTA Upgrade Protocol for mutually beneficial economic cooperation. The Meeting looked forward to continued ASEAN-China cooperation in the digital economy and e-commerce, to further develop micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. The Meeting welcomed the designation of 2020 as the ASEAN-China Year of Digital Economy Cooperation. The Meeting valued China's commitment to forging cooperation in developing smart cities and looked forward to China's participation in the ASCN Conference and Exhibition to be held on 22-24 August 2019 in Bangkok and the adoption of the ASEAN-China Statement on Smart City Cooperation Initiative.
22. The Meeting recognised the importance of deepening regional connectivity by, inter alia, enhancing link and synergies between the MPAC 2025 and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and looked forward to the adoption of the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Synergies between the MPAC 2025 and the BRI at the 22nd ASEAN- China Summit. The Meeting also looked forward to working towards the full liberalisation of the ASEAN-China Air Transport Agreement (AC-ATA), which will further enhance regional connectivity. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to closer people-to-people exchanges to promote mutual trust and understanding and welcomed the launch of the ASEAN-China Young Leaders' Scholarship (ACYLS).
European Union
23. The ASEAN-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, and H.E. Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.
24. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the ASEAN-EU Leaders' Meeting and the 22nd ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) held on 19 October 2018 and 21 January 2019 in Brussels, respectively, which reaffirmed both sides' continued commitment to further strengthen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest. The Meeting recalled the decision made at the 22nd AEMM where the Foreign Ministers agreed in principle to upgrade ASEAN-EU relations to a Strategic Partnership, subject to details and timing to be worked out. The Meeting welcomed the growing dialogue and engagement between ASEAN and the EU, and the interest of the EU in furthering engagement with the region through all ASEAN-led processes.
25. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2018-2022). The Meeting reiterated its commitment to further strengthening ASEAN-EU cooperation in all areas of cooperation such as protection and promotion of human rights, including the rights of migrant workers, countering terrorism, sustainable development, narrowing the development gap, connectivity, maritime security, circular economy, energy security and clean energy, smart cities, education, environmental protection, climate change, biodiversity and cybersecurity. In this regard, the Meeting adopted the ASEAN-EU Statement on Cybersecurity Cooperation to promote an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful information and communication technology (ICT) environment and to tackle issues related to cybersecurity, including in combating cybercrime. The Meeting appreciated the EU's active participation in the ARF, particularly co-chairing the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Maritime Security with Viet Nam and Australia in March 2019. The Meeting welcomed the enhanced dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and the EU on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, including through the ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Sustainable Development. The Meeting welcomed the EU's support for sustainable development cooperation in ASEAN, notably in the areas of economic and trade connectivity, environment, climate change, disaster management and higher education. The Meeting looked forward to the launch of the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue in November and to exploring possible EU cooperation with the Centre.
26. The Meeting underlined the importance of enhancing regional integration and economic cooperation, including on standard, quality and conformity assessment, MSMEs, and science and technology through the ASEAN-EU Trade and Investment Work Programme, and reiterated both sides' commitment to continuing to work towards developing a framework setting out the parameters for a future ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement. The Meeting encouraged greater business-to-business and business-to-government engagement, including through the EU-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. The Meeting recognised the importance of enhancing synergies between the MPAC 2025 and the EU's connectivity strategy, "Connecting Europe and Asia." The Meeting underlined the need to strengthen cooperation on civil aviation and enhance air connectivity between ASEAN and the EU, and encouraged the expeditious conclusion of the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA). On the issue of palm oil, the Meeting discussed concerns related to palm oil and shared the commitment to cooperate in addressing the issue in a fair and comprehensive manner. The Meeting also acknowledged the ongoing efforts to establish a working group on palm oil involving the EU and relevant ASEAN Member States, as a platform for constructive discussions.
27. The Meeting appreciated the EU's continued support and contribution towards ASEAN Community building and regional integration through various development cooperation programmes across the three ASEAN Community pillars, including the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE) Plus, the Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI), EU Support to Higher Education in ASEAN Region (EU SHARE), and Integrated Programme in Enhancing the Capacity of AHA Centre and ASEAN Emergency Response Mechanisms (EU SAHA).
India
28. The ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, and H.E. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India.
29. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2016-2020) and reaffirmed its commitment to further advancing ASEAN- India cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The Meeting looked forward to developing a new Plan of Action (2021-2025) that will help further strengthen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership in the next five years.
30. ASEAN appreciated India's continued active engagement with ASEAN contributing to regional peace and stability, particularly through ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as EAS, ARF, ADMM-Plus and EAMF. The Meeting emphasised the need to enhance ASEAN-India collaborative efforts in countering terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crimes, and the need to strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity through supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy. The Meeting also noted the importance of increasing cooperation in the maritime domain, including areas such as maritime connectivity, blue economy, and marine environmental protection. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the initiative to convene the 3rd ASEAN-India Workshop on Blue Economy to be held in Bangkok on 12 September 2019.
31. The Meeting underlined the importance of further strengthening trade and investment between the two sides in order to achieve the trade target of 200 billion USD by 2022, including through the full and effective utilisation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) and promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth. The Meeting also called for the need to further enhance the region's economic integration, particularly through the completion of the RCEP negotiations by 2019, as committed by the Leaders. The Meeting took note of the important role of the ASEAN-India Business Council in promoting trade and investment ties. The Meeting also looked forward to more cooperation to enhance regional connectivity, including on digital connectivity and through the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and its extension to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam, which is critical to regional economic growth. The Meeting took note of the progress of the ERIA's study on this Highway and its extension and looked forward to receiving the interim report of the study this year. The Meeting noted mutual interest in enhancing land, air and maritime connectivity to further strengthen trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts. The Meeting looked forward to the expeditious conclusion of the ASEAN- India Air Transport Agreement (AI-ATA) and the ASEAN-India Maritime Transport Agreement (AI-MTA), in accordance with the decision of the ASEAN Transport Ministers on this matter. The Meeting welcomed India's reiteration to support the MPAC 2025 and the IAI Work Plan III. The Meeting welcomed India's support for the establishment of IT Training Centres in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam. The Meeting also welcomed India's proposed training and capacity building projects in the agriculture sector such as climate-smart agriculture and Post-harvest technology of fruits and vegetables.
32. The Meeting was pleased with the flourishing cultural and civilisational links between ASEAN and India and underscored the benefit of further enhancing people-to-people cooperation, including through research, education, youth exchanges, media exchanges and cultural activities, to advance ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership. The Meeting welcomed the commencement of the ASEAN-India Tourism Cooperation Year 2019 and its related activities in order to increase two-way tourist visits and promote people-to-people exchanges. The Meeting noted the convening of the 3rd ASEAN-India International Conference on Cultural and Civilization Links to be held in Hanoi in October, and Delhi Dialogue XI in December this year. The Meeting encouraged more cooperation in science and technology in terms of capacity building and information sharing, among research and technology centers including on the issue of aeronautical and space technology, satellite technology on climate change adaptation and disaster management.
Japan
33. The ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, and H.E. Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
34. The Meeting welcomed Japan's continued commitments to supporting ASEAN's integration efforts and reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen the ASEAN- Japan Strategic Partnership and enhance cooperation through the effective implementation of the Revised Implementation Plan of the 2013 Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and the Joint Statement of the 21st ASEAN-Japan Summit to Commemorate the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The Meeting appreciated Japan's continued support and contributions towards ASEAN's development, including the implementation of the IAI Work Plan III through the additional contribution of 1 billion JPY to the component of JAIF2.0 under the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) in March 2019 as well as the adaptation of "Tokyo Strategy 2018" at the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting and expressed their expectation for its reinforcement. The Meeting welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Technical Cooperation between ASEAN and Japan on 13 May 2019 in Tokyo and looked forward to the early implementation of the Agreement which would further support ASEAN Community building efforts. The Meeting also expressed their appreciation for Japan's support for ASEAN Chair's priority "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability" and ASEAN Centres.
35. Both sides underlined the need to ensure effective implementation of the new ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) - Japan Work Plan for Cooperation to Combat Terrorism and Transnational Crime (2018-2022) and to enhance cooperation on cybersecurity, including through the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre established in 2018 in Thailand.
36. The Meeting agreed to further deepen and expand trade and investment relations, including through the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap 2016-2025, the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement and existing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Both sides looked forward to early entry into force of the First Protocol to Amend the AJCEP Agreement to incorporate the Chapters on Trade in Services, Movement of Natural Persons and Investment. The Meeting stressed the importance of further promoting the implementation of the IAI Work Plan III, the MPAC 2025 and quality infrastructure development in accordance with international standards. The Meeting looked forward to the adoption of a Joint Statement on Connectivity at the 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit to further strengthen ASEAN-Japan cooperation in this area through initiatives such as ASEAN-Japan Transport Partnership. The Meeting also looked forward to the successful conclusion of a more liberal and mutually beneficial ASEAN-Japan Air Services Agreement that is over and above what has been exchanged bilaterally between Japan and individual ASEAN Member States to enhance regional connectivity. In the context of discussions on the situation in the Korean Peninsula, some Ministers emphasised the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns of the international community, including the resolution of the abductions issue.
37. The Meeting agreed to continue enhancing cooperation in the areas of health, environment, marine plastic debris, quality infrastructure, transportation, smart cities, climate change and disaster risk reduction. ASEAN expressed gratitude for Japan's continued support for the work of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA). The Meeting welcomed Japan's suggestion and implementation to expand the target areas under the Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AHWIN).The Meeting also appreciated Japan's continued support for people-to- people contacts and sports and cultural exchanges, particularly among the youth and intellectuals of ASEAN and East Asia, through various programmes including the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), WA Project, Sport for Tomorrow and the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP). The Meeting agreed to further promote cooperative projects and events in sports and cultural areas toward the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and beyond. The Meeting look forward to ASEAN-Japan Smart Cities Network High Level Meeting to be held in October 2019 in Yokohama. The Meeting appreciated the contribution of the ASEAN-Japan Centre to promoting trade, investment, tourism, people-to-people exchanges and to the overall reinforcement of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations. Furthermore, the Meeting highly welcomed the role played by the Japan Foundation Asia Center, in promoting better understanding between the peoples of ASEAN and Japan, and expressed its strong hope for its continued contributions. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the ASEAN-Japan Day events which took place in Hanoi in June and July 2019.
New Zealand
38. The ASEAN-New Zealand Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Right Honorable Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand.
39. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Statement for ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership (2016–2020), and its two key strategies, namely the "People Strategy" and the "Prosperity Strategy" which has enhanced cooperation and contributed towards the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. The Meeting looked forward to developing a new Plan of Action (2021-2025), which will offer a new impetus for ASEAN and New Zealand to collectively identify new areas of practical cooperation for both sides in strengthening the strategic partnership. The Meeting took note of New Zealand's proposal to hold an ASEAN-New Zealand Summit to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations in 2020.
40. The Meeting also welcomed New Zealand's active contribution and constructive cooperation on political and security issues especially counter-terrorism and violent extremism, cybersecurity, maritime security, and transnational crime. The Meeting expressed its solidarity to the New Zealand Government on the terrorist attacks in Christchurch and commended New Zealand for its way of handling the incidents. It also emphasised the need for the region to continue working together to address the root causes of terrorism, including through social media platforms to counter violent extremism online.
41. The Meeting looked forward to New Zealand's continued support for the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan III and Master Plan for ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025) in order to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. The Meeting welcomed the increase in volume of trade under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), while expressing concern on the trends of protectionism and anti-globalisation. In that regard, the Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the 23rd ASEAN Economic Ministers, Australia and New Zealand (Closer Economic Relations-CER) Consultations in September 2018, which endorsed the officials' recommendations from Stage Two of the AANZFTA General Review to guide negotiations to upgrade the Agreement. It also expressed its appreciation to New Zealand for extending the AECSP to enhance the trade and economic capacity of ASEAN Member States in implementing the Free Trade Area. The Meeting noted the upcoming launch of negotiations towards an ASEAN-New Zealand regional air services agreement, which would further enhance aviation connectivity and tourism.
42. The Meeting also highlighted the various programmes in education and leadership cooperation under the People Strategy, including the Young ASEAN Diplomats Study Tour to New Zealand, the New Zealand-ASEAN Postgraduate Scholarships (NZAS), as well as the English Language Training for Officials (ELTO) Programme which will further solidify the strong and enduring links between ASEAN and New Zealand. The Meeting also appreciated New Zealand's continued support for capacity building, human resources development and disaster management in the region, particularly its support for the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and operationalisation of the AHA Centre.
Republic of Korea
43. The ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs II of Brunei Darussalam, and H.E. Mrs. Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK.
44. The Meeting welcomed the ROK's commitment under its New Southern Policy to further strengthen relations with ASEAN in line with the three pillars of the ASEAN Community and appreciated the ROK's contribution to ASEAN's development and community building through the ASEAN-ROK Cooperation Fund (AKCF.) The Meeting noted with satisfaction the significant progress of ASEAN-ROK cooperation in a wide range of areas under the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (2016-2020). The Meeting looked forward to developing a new Plan of Action (2021-2025), taking into consideration the decisions and outcomes of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in November 2019 to further strengthen the ASEAN-ROK cooperation in all dimensions. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in Busan in November 2019, including the side events which aim to strengthen the ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations in all spectrum, the adoption of the ASEAN-ROK Joint Vision Statement for Peace, Prosperity and Partnership to chart direction to further strengthen the strategic partnership, and the conduct of commemorative activities in ASEAN Member States and the ROK to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations. The Meeting also appreciated the ROK's efforts to improve inter-Korean relations for the betterment of the Korean peoples, and to create conducive environment for dialogue to achieve substantial progress in complete denuclearisation and establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and contribute to the peace and stability of the region.
45. The Meeting underlined the importance of further enhancing ASEAN-ROK trade and investment relations. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to the ratification and full implementation of the Third Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-ROK Trade in Goods Agreement which would contribute to achieving the two-way trade target of USD 200 billion by 2020. The Meeting also noted the importance of the ASEAN-ROK Business Council in promoting MSMEs cooperation and looked forward to developing the capacity of ASEAN's MSMEs and collaborating together to transform ASEAN into digital-driven economy. The Meeting looked forward to learn best practices from ROK in the field of innovation and technology, robotics and intelligence that could help boost trade and businesses in ASEAN.
46. The Meeting appreciated the ROK's continued support and cooperation in enhancing regional connectivity and narrowing the development gaps among ASEAN Member States, including through the implementation of MPAC 2025 and the IAI Work Plan III. The Meeting noted the ROK's contribution to enhance connectivity in ASEAN, including through the ASCN, Technical and Vocation Education and Training (TVET) In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the ASEAN-ROK Transport Ministers to further enhancing air transport connectivity between and beyond ASEAN and the ROK to conclude a more liberal and mutually beneficial air services agreement.
47. The Meeting welcomed the ROK's continued support in promoting closer cultural cooperation and people-to-people ties including ROK's commitment to increase two- way people-to-people exchanges to 15 million by 2020, the expansion of scholarship programs, and the work carried out by the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the ASEAN Culture House in Busan. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to further cultural cooperation between the ASEAN Culture House and the ASEAN Cultural Centre in Bangkok. The Meeting welcomed the convening of the 2019 ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts Plus ROK Meeting in commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations.
Russian Federation
48. The ASEAN-Russia Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
49. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the 3rd ASEAN-Russia Summit on 14 November 2018 in Singapore where both sides agreed to elevate ASEAN- Russia Dialogue Relations to a Strategic Partnership as reflected in the Joint Statement of the 3rd ASEAN-Russia Summit on Strategic Partnership. The Meeting noted the progress made in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) to Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation (2016- 2020) and looked forward to the implementation of the remaining action lines as well as the development a new CPA (2021-2025) to further enhance the cooperation and strategic partnership.
50. The Meeting emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, such as terrorism, cybersecurity and transnational crimes through activities under the Senior Officials' Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Plus Russia Consultations, and the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) and Russia Coordination Meetings. The Meeting also underlined the need to enhance coordination between ASEAN and Russia within ASEAN-led mechanisms and fora including EAS, ARF and ADMM-Plus to promote dialogues on regional security architecture in the Asia-Pacific. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the Statement of ASEAN and the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Field of Security of and in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies at the 3rd ASEAN-Russia Summit and agreed to expedite the ongoing work to develop the Concept Paper on the Establishment of an ASEAN-Russia Dialogue on ICTs Security-related Issues.
51. The Meeting appreciated the efforts to implement the ASEAN-Russia Trade and Investment Cooperation Roadmap and the ongoing discussion to enhance economic cooperation between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In this connection, the Meeting welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) on Economic Cooperation in 2018. The Meeting noted of the EAEU-ASEAN Business Dialogue at the 23rd St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in June 2019 as well as the ASEAN-Russia Business Dialogue at the 4th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok in September 2018 and looked forward to another fruitful dialogue at the 5th EEF in September 2019. The Meeting also encouraged enhanced cooperation between ASEAN and EAEU, and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The Meeting appreciated Russia's initiatives to enhance cooperation with ASEAN in the field of Smart Cities and looked forward to Russia's participation in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network Conferences and Exhibitions on 22-24 August 2019 in Bangkok.
52. The Meeting agreed to strengthen ASEAN-Russia cooperation in the area of education, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, tourism, health, and disaster management. In this connection, the Meeting looked forward to the convening of the 5th ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit to be held in the Philippines, the Cultural Programme with the Performance of the ASEAN-Russia Youth Orchestra in Singapore, the ASEAN-Russia Forum on Education in Russia and the 2nd Meeting of the Network of the ASEAN-Russia Think-Tanks in Indonesia in 2019. The Meeting also welcomed the inaugural meeting of the ASEAN-Russia Working Group on Education (ARWGE) convened back-to-back with the ASEAN SOM on Education and related meetings held in Nay Pyi Taw on 28 October-1 November 2018.
United States of America
53. The ASEAN-U.S. Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), and the Honorable Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State of the United States of America.
54. The Meeting commended the significant progress in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership (2016-2020), where all action lines have been addressed. The Meeting looked forward to developing a new Plan of Action (2021-2025) that will guide both sides in realising the full potential of the partnership for the next five years. The Meeting also welcomed the commencement of the ASEAN-U.S. Inclusive Growth in ASEAN through Innovation, Trade and E-Commerce (IGNITE) and the ASEAN-U.S. Partnership for Regional Optimization within the Political-Security and Socio-Cultural Communities (PROSPECT) in September 2018.
55. The Meeting noted that ASEAN and the United States continue to foster practical cooperation in defence in the seven priority areas of the ADMM-Plus. In this regard, the Meeting took note that the first ever ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise is scheduled to be conducted in September 2019 in the international waters of Southeast Asia. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Statement on Cybersecurity Cooperation in November 2018 and looked forward to its implementation. ASEAN also looked forward to the U.S.' continued support in strengthening cybersecurity capacity in the region, including through initiatives such as the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership as well as the U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership. ASEAN welcomed the U.S.' proposal for an ASEAN-U.S. Cyber Policy Dialogue to be held on the sidelines of the Singapore International Cyber Week in October 2019.
56. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to deepen ASEAN-U.S. economic ties including the implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Initiatives Work Plan. The Meeting highlighted the importance of U.S.-ASEAN Connect and the ASEAN-U.S. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Work Plan in promoting cooperation in the areas of digital economy, technological innovation and ICT regulation, among others. The Meeting welcomed the U.S.' Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy (ASIA EDGE) initiative that seeks to strengthen energy security and energy access across the Indo-Pacific and took note of the ongoing deliberation on a draft ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Statement on Energy Security.
57. The Meeting appreciated the U.S.' support in building a more people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community through various capacity building and development programmes. The Meeting highlighted that initiatives such as the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme, the U.S.-ASEAN Internship Programme, the ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women and the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Scholar Programme have not only contributed to human resource development in the region but also enhanced people- to-people connectivity. ASEAN encouraged the U.S. to continue such programmes to enhance people-to-people ties.